East Slopes South

Shallow, but fresh wind slabs will begin to develop Friday on upper elevation lee slopes especially near the Cascade crest. Steer around start zones over 35 degrees where you find freshly drifted snow. 

Light snowfall will become moderate Friday afternoon. Snow accumulation will be modest, but snow surfaces are generally firm after a week of warm weather moistening the surface and refreezing. Incoming snow may bond poorly to the old surface, so use caution on steep slopes where wind transport snow is accumulating, especially at upper elevations and near the Cascade crest. 

Travel safely by choosing ridges and windward slopes. Take note of where winds are rapidly depositing recent snow. Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, and pillow-like drifts as evidence of where wind slabs will be forming. Textured and or firmer snow surfaces are another indication you are in wind affected terrain. Choose lee slopes below 35 degrees and away from cornices where you see signs of wind transport or where you experience cracks forming in the surface of the snow as you travel. 

Shallow Loose snow "sluffs" and low-density storm slabs may be possible on steep slopes later Friday as snow accumulates. Evaluate the bond between the new snow and the old as you travel. Look for cohesive snow that is poorly bonded to the firmer snow below as a sign you could trigger a storm slab. Use inconsequential steep test slopes to check the bond of the new snow. Choose terrain below 35 degrees where you experience a poor bond or visual cracking as you travel.

The most eastern slopes and lower elevation slopes still lack significant snow cover and early season travel conditions are still the biggest hazard in these areas.